Dr. Yona Bouskila - Do We Have Freewill?

Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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Many of us accept freewill as an undeniable truth, assuming that we are the architects of our own decisions and destiny. Yet, a growing body of scientific research challenges this notion, suggesting that our sense of freewill may be more of an illusion than reality. This emerging perspective carries profound implications, urging us to reconsider the foundations of personal responsibility, ethics, and the way we govern our society. Dr. Yona Bouskila joins us to explore this provocative subject, drawing on insights from his thriller, The Unthinkable Truth, which expertly blends scientific inquiry with imaginative fiction. In this conversation we cover:

the motivation behind delving into free will in The Unthinkable Truth and how the book challenges conventional views on decision-making and destiny
the fusion of neuroscience, philosophy, and AI in the book, with a particular focus on the Theory of Apparent Mental Causation, and the evidence that underpins this perspective
how main character George Bennet's journey reflects the broader questions about the extent of human free will
the role of AI, exemplified by the character Sherlock, in the exploration of free will and contrast its capabilities with human reasoning
the scientific tools and methods employed in the book to tackle the age-old question of free will
the interplay between personal responsibility and free will, and consider how these concepts might influence moral and legal frameworks in society.
the ethical dimensions of using AI to understand and potentially influence human decisions, weighing its possible dangers and benefits.
the key philosophical arguments against the existence of free will as presented in the book, and discuss how these are either supported or refuted by scientific evidence.
the future of free will research and its potential impact on society, both in theory and in practice.

A scientist by training, a thinker by nature, and an author by passion, Yona Bouskila has a particular fascination with the human mind in all its aspects. This enduring passion, together with his penchant for thrillers, served as the driving force behind The Unthinkable Truth, which he describes as a unique blend of thought-provoking science and thriller that culminates in an eye-opening revelation on the mind and humanity. He studied biology (with philosophy) and received a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. He is involved in medical research and development. Before that, he conducted brain research at several institutions in the US and Europe. He writes short stories, often with a humorous slant, and his debut novel was published in May 2024. He lives in England with his wife and pets, where he enjoys the Surrey countryside and contemplating

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila-ebook/dp/B0CW1N2JTJ/

Visit the author's website: https://www.yonabouskila.com/

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